BAPTISMAL GARMENTS MINISTRY

This ministry makes stoles for the infants who are baptized at Blessed Sacrament. Volunteers are needed who have a little spare time to make these garments and can sew a simple straight seam and embroider by hand or by machine, Directions are available. The infant baptism garments are simple rectangular pieces of material, lined or hemmed, and embroidered on one side with a cross. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, call Diana White at (352)394-3562, ext 101 at the Parish Office.

CURSILLO / ULTREYA

Cursillo is a movement of the Church which, by its own method, makes it possible for people to live what is a Christian life. Cursillo helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations, and promotes the creation of core groups of Christians who leaven their environments with the Gospel. The Ultreya (Spanish word meaning Onward) is the larger Cursillo community and is a time Group Reunion members meet with each other. The Ultreya is beneficial in providing the support and encouragement that each of us need to live our lives in Christ. Ultreya is held monthly. For information contact Mike at (352)551-4250 or Debbie at (352)551-4251 or email debbiemcgill@cfl.rr.com.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Development Committee serves as an advisory body to the pastor and the Finance Committee in the long range planning and development of parish plant and facilities. Members of the Development Committee are selected by the pastor in consultation with the Finance Committee and are appointed on the basis of their expertise in the areas related to fundraising, plant development, engineering, architectural design, and finances. The Development Committee receives support and guidance from the Diocesan Stewardship & Development Office as well as the Office for Building Planning, and Construction. Jim Weis is the Facilitator (352)242-4361.

ENGLISH LITERACY

This ministry exists to empower adults by providing basic literacy through individualized tutoring in environments that respect and reverence individuals. It enables learners to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, better workers and responsible citizens. This ministry is open to all parishioners who want to better understand the English language. Please bring a notepad and pencil with you to each class. We meet Tuesdays at Santo Toribio Romo Mission in Mascotte. Tutors are needed who are fluent in English and able to read and write. Some experience in instruction would be helpful but not absolutely necessary and knowledge of Spanish is not necessary. Please call Sr. Elizabeth at (352)394-6640 for more information.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Parish Finance Committee serves as an advisory body to the pastor and the Parish Pastoral Council in the administration and stewardship of parish finances, budget, parish facilities, and long-range financial development. Mandated by canon law, parish finance councils, like parish pastoral councils, are consultative bodies:

Each parish is to have a Finance Council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods. (Canon 537)

Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the pastor on the basis of their expertise in matters related to accounting and finance, investment management, fundraising/development, budget, engineering, and law. The three-to-five-member Finance Council receives support and guidance from the diocesan Department of Finance.
The Parish Finance Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council function interdependently; it is essential that they communicate with one another in furthering the parish mission. James Laria (djlaria@aol.com) is currently the Facilitator of this committee.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights have three units here at the Blessed Sacrament Church campus under the overall Knights of Columbus umbrella.

Knights of Columbus Council #13240 is the largest and principle unit. The Council has approximately 175 members. The Council meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm in the John Bosco Hall. The Council also has a monthly social meeting on the third Thursday of the month at pre-selected locations. The council officers meetings are on the last Thursday of the month in classroom 4. The principle contacts for the council are as follows: Grand Knight Peter Capece, (352)243-0393, cell (772)571-7084, email p.capece@earthlink.net and Deputy Grand Knight James Laria.(352)243-3292, cell (407)435-2325, email djlaria@aol.com.

The Knights of Columbus Squires Circle is an international fraternity of 10- 18 year olds. The Squires Circle is sponsored by the Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus Council #13240. The Squires meet on the second Saturday of every month at 10:00 pm in classroom 4. The principle contact for the Squires Circle is Past GK Eric Palmer, (352)394-5004, cell (407)346-3921, email palmerent@embarqmail.com.

Knights of Columbus Assembly # 3025 is a separate entity. The Assembly is made up of 4th degree Knights. The Knight’s color or honor guard is an integral part of the assembly. Requests for Knights in regalia (Color Guard) should be made directly to the assembly. The Assembly meets at 7:00 pm, on the second Thursday of the month in the church social hall. The principle contact for the Assembly are as follows: Faithful Navigator Peter Stauder, (352)241-0235, email pstauder@embarqmail.com and Faithful Captain James Laria, (352)243-3292, cell (407)435-2325, email djlaria@aol.com.